With his strawberry-blond hair and handsome features, musician-turned-actor Max Beesley vaulted to stardom in the leading role of the 1997 BBC miniseries "The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling" (shown in the USA on A&E in 1998). This son of a jazz musician and a jazz singer, in the words of his stepbrother Jason, would do "anything for a laugh [so] everyone assumed that one day Max would end up on television." Beesley, instead, pursued a career in music. Although he won a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he dropped out to work as a backup singer and musician for singers and bands ranging from Take That and Jamiroquai to George Michael and Paul Weller. In 1995, Beesley watched the video of Martin Scorsese's 1980 masterpiece "Raging Bull" and was inspired to become an actor. Taking his savings, he flew to NYC and worked with acting coach Sheila Gray. After nine months, he returned to England and eventually auditioned for the role of Tom Jones. Through a combination of talent and charm, Beesley managed to deliver a fine portrayal of the randy hero that matched Albert Finney's in Tony Richardson's 1963 Oscar-winning film. Based on his success, the actor was signed for his first...

With his strawberry-blond hair and handsome features, musician-turned-actor Max Beesley vaulted to stardom in the leading role of the 1997 BBC miniseries "The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling" (shown in the USA on A&E in 1998). This son of a jazz musician and a jazz singer, in the words of his stepbrother Jason, would do "anything for a laugh [so] everyone assumed that one day Max would end up on television." Beesley, instead, pursued a career in music. Although he won a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he dropped out to work as a backup singer and musician for singers and bands ranging from Take That and Jamiroquai to George Michael and Paul Weller. In 1995, Beesley watched the video of Martin Scorsese's 1980 masterpiece "Raging Bull" and was inspired to become an actor. Taking his savings, he flew to NYC and worked with acting coach Sheila Gray. After nine months, he returned to England and eventually auditioned for the role of Tom Jones. Through a combination of talent and charm, Beesley managed to deliver a fine portrayal of the randy hero that matched Albert Finney's in Tony Richardson's 1963 Oscar-winning film. Based on his success, the actor was signed for his first feature role in the romantic drama "The Match" (1999).

Was a backup singer and percussionist or keyboardist for a number of singers and groups including Take That, Jamiroquai and George Michael

1996:

Moved to Manhattan to study acting for nine months (date approximate)

1997:

Starred in the BBC TV miniseries "The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling"; aired in the USA on A&E in 1998 under the title "Tom Jones"

1999:

Portrayed an artist who becomes hooked on heroin in "The Last Minute" and a musician who witnesses a murder in "Five Seconds to Spare"

2000:

Cast in first feature role in "The Match"

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Education

Guildhall School of Music and Drama:
London , England -

Notes

"Oh, the headline will read ROWDY, BUMPY NIGHT WITH FOUR ROCK CHICKS HELPS MAX WITH HIS ROLES. I had naughty times when I was younger. I'm Monogomy Boy now, but I might have drawn on a couple of those experiences when I was a cavelier young man on the road." --Max Beesley on getting into the character of "Tom Jones", quoted in INTERVIEW, April 1998

Carmen Ejogo. Actor. Of Scottish and Nigerian descent; together from c. 1993 to c. 1998; Beesley has stated the couple was sort of engaged, although he does not believe in marriage; exchanged rings; no longer together.

companion:

Melanie Sykes. Television presenter. Living together as of 1999; no longer together.

companion:

Melanie Brown. Born c. 1975; reportedly dating after her separation from husband Jimmy Gulzar with whom she had a daughter Phoenix Chi.